Leo Martínez
Whether it's from a fender bender or a run-in with a shopping cart, scratches and scuffs on your car's plastic bumper are unsightly and can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Luckily, you can repair and touch up the paint on a plastic bumper yourself, without having to pay for a professional respray. This guide will take you through the process, from preparing the surface and choosing the right products to applying the paint and finishing the job.
Characteristics and Values Table for Touching Up Paint on a Plastic Bumper
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extent of damage | Scratches, scrapes, gouges, rock chips, collisions, etc. |
| Tools | Polishing/rubbing compound, sandpaper, tape, masking paper, plastic sheeting, primer, body putty, adhesion promoter, base color, clear coat, paint pens, spray cans, brush |
| Process | Degrease and prep with a plastic prep agent, apply primer, sand, apply body putty, mask off area, apply base color, apply clear coat |
| Cost | $30-40 for touchup paint and kit |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the bumper with prep paste, rinse, and dry
To touch up paint on a plastic bumper, you'll first need to clean the bumper with prep paste. Bumper Prep Paste will create adhesion and remove any mould release agents, wax, grease, and oil. You can also use a generic prep paste or solvent, which will remove contaminants from the area.
To use the paste, first, apply it to the bumper with a grey scuff pad, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. You can also use a clean cloth to spread the prep solvent, but make sure to only wipe it on in one direction instead of back and forth. Wiping in two directions will drag contaminants back into the repair area.
Once the bumper is completely dry, you can then spray or wipe with Wax & Grease Remover to remove any remaining oil and contamination before sanding. This will minimise contaminants from reacting with primer, paint, and clear coat to create "fisheyes".
If you are using a spray can to apply the touch-up paint, you may want to mask off the adjacent areas with tape, masking paper, and/or plastic sheeting to avoid overspray from landing on adjacent surfaces.
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Degrease and prep with a plastic prep agent
To touch up paint on a plastic bumper, it is important to first degrease and prep the surface with a plastic prep agent. This process ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the bumper and creates a smooth and clean surface for painting.
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of plastic used in the bumper. This can be done by referring to the vehicle's manual or contacting the manufacturer. Once the type of plastic is identified, choose a plastic prep agent that is compatible with the plastic. These agents are usually available in spray cans or bottles and can be purchased from auto parts stores or online.
Before applying the plastic prep agent, clean the bumper thoroughly with a degreaser and water. This step helps remove any dirt, grease, or oil buildup on the surface of the bumper. Use a tack cloth along with soapy water to scrub the surface and ensure it is free of any contaminants. Rinse the bumper with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Once the bumper is clean and dry, it is time to apply the plastic prep agent. If using a spray, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and spray in a steady, back-and-forth motion, ensuring even coverage. If using a bottle, pour a small amount of the agent onto a clean cloth and wipe it onto the bumper, again ensuring even coverage. Allow the plastic prep agent to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually takes around 10 minutes.
It is important to note that some plastic prep agents may require additional steps, such as light sanding, to create an optimal surface for painting. Always read the instructions on the product carefully and follow the recommended procedures for the best results.
By following these steps and properly degreasing and prepping the plastic bumper with a suitable agent, you will ensure that the touch-up paint adheres well and creates a smooth and durable finish.
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Apply primer to any bare plastic
To apply primer to bare plastic, the plastic must first be prepared. If the bumper has been scratched, scraped or gouged, you can use a product like Rubbing Compound to remove scratches. If the damage is more severe, light sanding may be required. If the bumper is dirty, it should be cleaned with soap or a wax and grease remover. If the bumper is rusty, remove all traces of rust with 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush, and apply a product like Rust Away.
Once the bumper is clean and dry, you can apply the primer. Use very thin coats of primer and let it dry for at least 20 minutes to overnight. It is important to note that you should never use enamel primer. The primer can also be used to fill in small imperfections on the surface of the bumper. If the bumper is flexible, an adhesion promoter should be used before the primer to ensure proper adherence.
If you are spot blending, you should mask off the area around the repair with tape, masking paper or plastic sheeting to avoid overspray. If you are painting the entire bumper, you should mask off the surrounding area. After priming, you can apply a basecoat of your chosen paint colour.
It is important to test the paint before applying it to your vehicle to ensure a colour match. If the colour is off, a clear coat or primer will not help to make it match better. You can always go to an automotive supply shop and get paint put into a spray bomb, but you will need to watch out for overspray.
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Use body putty to fill scratches
Before you start, it's important to assess the extent of the damage. If the scratches on your plastic bumper are not deep, they should be easily removed with a rubbing compound and/or light sanding. Try using a rubbing compound first to remove scratches before you begin sanding. If scratches remain after sanding, you can fill them with body putty.
To begin the process of filling scratches with body putty, first clean the bumper with a bumper prep paste, a grey scuff pad, and clean water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Once the bumper is completely dry, use tape, masking paper, and/or plastic sheeting to mask off the areas surrounding the repair to avoid overspray from landing on adjacent surfaces.
Next, apply a coat of body putty over the scratched area. Spread the body putty into the scratches with a 2" or 4" spreader. Allow the body putty to dry for approximately 15 minutes at 70° F.
Once the body putty has dried completely, sand the putty smooth by wet sanding by hand using 400-grit wetordry sandpaper or dry sanding by hand using 320-grit production sandpaper. You can also sand by machine using a DA sander and a 320-grit sandpaper disc.
After sanding, spray or wipe the bumper with wax and grease remover to remove any dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminants before applying primer and paint.
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Apply paint in thin coats
When applying paint to a plastic bumper, it's important to use thin coats. This is because you want to gradually build up the paint to match the surrounding area, rather than applying a thick coat that may drip, dry unevenly, or be difficult to blend. Thin coats of paint will also dry faster, allowing you to add multiple layers and achieve a smoother finish.
Before applying the paint, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. Start by cleaning the bumper with soap or a wax and grease remover to eliminate any dirt, grease, or oil. If there are scratches or gouges, use a rubbing compound to remove them, and then lightly sand the area to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. If there is any rust, remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush, and apply a rust treatment.
Once the surface is prepared, you may need to apply a primer, especially if the bumper is made of plastic or if there are bare spots where the original paint has been removed. Choose a primer designed for plastic surfaces, such as a plastic prep agent or a plastic filler primer, and apply it thinly, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.
Now, you're ready to apply the paint. Select a paint that matches the colour of your bumper, and if necessary, test it on a small, hidden area first to ensure a good match. Use a brush, spray, or paint pen to apply thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. Two to three medium wet coats are usually sufficient, but you may need more or fewer coats depending on the severity of the damage and the desired finish.
Remember, it's better to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat, as this will result in a smoother and more seamless repair. Take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow all safety instructions when working with paints and solvents.
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Frequently asked questions
First, assess the damage. If the scratches are not deep, you can try using a polishing compound to remove them. If that doesn't work, you can try light sanding. If you are left with noticeable scratches, apply a coat of body putty, let it dry, and sand it smooth. Clean the bumper with a prep paste, then apply primer and body putty as needed. Once dry, sand again and spray or wipe with a wax and grease remover. Finally, apply 2-3 coats of base colour using a spray can, spray gun, or brush.
Yes, if the plastic is visible through the scratches, you should degrease and prep the area with a "plastic prep" agent. Primer is not necessary if you use a prep agent as it is a bonding agent. However, if you are painting a flexible surface, you should use an adhesion promoter before the primer layer.
You can buy touch-up paint from a dealership or automotive supply shop. Make sure the colour matches your car. You can also use paint pens, spray cans, or a small sponge brush.
If you are worried about spot blending, you can paint the entire bumper. If you are spot blending, mask off the area around the repair to avoid a hard edge from overspray.
